Martin Gramatica Misses Two Field Goals, Saints Lose 34-32

Sean Payton was probably trying to figure out what was going on with his kicker.

Martin Gramatica had been perfect as a Saint until today. Today he missed two field goals, one a 51 yarder and the other, a potential game winner, a 43 yarder with 1:55 left in the game. The Saints then went on to lose the game 34-32.

Drew Brees completed 39 of 48 pass attempts for 421 yards and a touchdown. Jay Cutler completed 21 of 34 pass attempts for 264 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. The interception was made by Mike McKenzie who is coming back after suffering a knee injury last year.

Once again, Saints' running back Pierre Thomas failed to convert on an important play. On fourth down in the second quarter, Thomas failed to make it into the end zone, but on the next play Charles Grant and first round draft pick Sedrick Ellis forced a safety. Thomas rushed six times for 15 yards and two touchdowns. Reggie Bush ran 18 times for 73 yards and a touchdown.

The Saints' leading receiver was Robert Meachem who caught two passes for 86 yards. Lance Moore caught seven passes for 78 yards. Jeremy Shockey had eight catches for 75 yards. Reggie Bush had 11 catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. In all, Brees threw to nine different receivers.

Second round draft pick Tracy Porter was the leading tackler on defense. He made seven tackles and no assists. Roman Harper made six tackles and no assists.